2027 Rankings Risers: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep dive into the 2027 defensive prospects rising up the updated PRZ state rankings.</h2>    Strong cover corner that demonstrates good ability in both press and off coverage. He's physical throughout the play with good hand usage at the LOS and downfield to maintain positional leverage. When pressing he does a good job staying square and using his lateral quickness to mirror movement and force receivers off their line. A strider that can stay in phase on vertical patterns and recover when necessary. Plus reactionary quickness to plant, drive, and accelerate coming out of his break. Not afraid of contact, he can break down in space and be a reliable open field tackler. Ranked inside the top 20 overall and is the #4 DB in the 2027 class. Offered by Arizona State and San Diego State.      Impressive prospect with a versatile skillset to effectively play the interior or edge positions. At 6'1” 220 lbs. he's got a well-balanced frame with good growth potential to add weight without sacrificing his athleticism or mobility. Explosive first step off the ball with great initial quickness to gain early penetration and make plays at or behind the LOS. Plus lateral agility and short area speed to redirect and chase in the box and to the perimeter. Active hand usage with good placement to maintain separation and keep blockers away from his body. Attacking defender that plays with a high motor to rush the passer or pursue the ball carrier. Filled the stat sheet throughout the 2024 season finishing with 78 total tackles, 19 TFL, six sacks, and two forced fumbles while being selected First Team All CUSD and 6A Premier Region. The second ranked DL prospect in the 2027 and #22 overall with his initial offer coming recently from Arizona.      The hybrid DE/OLB out of Notre Dame has a breakout sophomore season totaling 71 tackles (50 solo), 18.5 TFL, four forced fumbles, and led the 2027 class with 13.5 sacks. At 6'3” 220 lbs. he possesses a well-rounded skillset that blends his length, athleticism, and technique to be a force as a run stopper and pass rusher. Explosive out of his stance to beat blockers to the spot and either collapse the pocket or close a gap. Good command and usage of a variety of moves, can long arm, spin, chop/rip, or swim to work off blocks. Strong at the POA, he plays with leverage and natural strength to accelerate through contact and finish opponents to the ground. High ceiling prospect with tons of upside and potential to build on. First three college offers came in this week from Colorado State, Nevada, and Northern Arizona with many more on the way.      The outstanding defender out of Basha comes in as our top ranked LB in the 2027 class. He's an instinctual playmaker possessing great ability to anticipate and diagnose plays before they develop. He's a physical presence in the box filling running lanes and attacking ball carriers with authority. Like his reactionary quickness to trigger to the ball with speed and burst to close. Frees himself up by either weaving through traffic or taking on/shedding blockers. Relentless in pursuit, he's savvy finding lanes to the ball carrier but still limits wasted movement to take good angles. Flashes great range to make plays at different depths and sideline to sideline. One of the top tacklers in the 2027 class during the 2024 season with 106. D1 caliber prospect that helped one of the top programs in the state to the Open title game as a sophomore.      As a sophomore, Kupu led Chandler in tackles and was also near the top of his class with 105. At 5'11” 220 lbs. he shows three down ability by making plays as a run filler and dropping back into coverage. He's patient with his reads and footwork but is quick to react and locate the ball. Steps up to fill run lanes aggressively taking on blockers with his shoulders square and good pad level at the POA. High effort player that has the speed to chase downfield and to the outside using good lateral movement to play flat down the line. Flashes good awareness to create turnovers with good timing and effectiveness of punch out and rip techniques. Brings strong contact as a tackler that drives through the ball carrier with leverage. He's the second ranked LB prospect in the 2027 class and #36 overall.      As a sophomore, Franklin was a key contributor to the strong Centennial defense on their way to the 6A state title. At 6'1” 220 lbs. he's a well-coached Edge that plays a hard and attacking brand of football. High IQ with good understanding and execution of his assignment. Combines his speed, power, and athleticism to contain the edge in the run game and collapse the pocket in pass rush situations. Active hands and good natural strength to separate from blockers and disengage from contact as he locates the ball carrier. Good twitch to change directions and adjust his angle in pursuit. Chases hard with good short area speed and leg drive to close space. Reliable and consistent tackler that wraps up and is tough to break once he gets his hands on the ball carrier. The fourth ranked 2027 DL prospect and #37 overall in the updated PRZ state rankings.